Where we live: Amherst

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Dog owners may want to think twice before letting their canines run free in Amherst State Park.

The town plans to step up enforcement at the Mill Street park this year to ensure dog owners are complying with the leash law, which has been an ongoing source of contention. Violators will be ticketed.

The issue came up again last week, when Councilmember Mark A. Manna tried to offer a compromise. Rather than spend time and resources enforcing the leash law, Manna suggested the town look into designating a few acres of the 80-acre park where dogs could run unleashed at certain times or days.

The proposal was shot down by a 3-2 board vote.

Also this week:

• The Williamsville Village Board meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Village Hall, 5565 Main St., where a public hearing will be held on the $3.4 million general fund budget for 2014-15.

Costs associated with turning over the village’s water system to Erie County will force Williamsville to increase the tax levy – the total amount to be raised in taxes – by 8.6 percent. Meanwhile, a rise in some commercial property values has boosted the village’s tax base.

Homeowners are looking at a property tax rate increase of 5.79 percent, to $4.53 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That’s up from $4.28 per $1,000.

• The Williamsville School Board is holding a budget work session at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the district office board room, 105 Casey Road. The meeting will include an opportunity for the public to comment or ask questions about the 2014-15 draft budget.

• A meeting of the Amherst School Board begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in district offices, 55 Kings Highway. The agenda includes the 2014-15 school calendar.